Some of the common problems associated with Diamond Brite type pools.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS A CONCRETE POOL?
'Concrete', 'Gunite' or 'Shotcrete' all refer to the technique used to apply the concrete for the main structural shell of the pool.
Once the shell has been formed and cured, the pool finish is applied. These finishes (diamond brite, marcite, pebbletech etc.) are a very basic, low-tech material consisting of quartz or pebbles as a plaster aggregate all within a cement binder. These finishes account for 98% of all pools in SE Florida.
These surfaces are very susceptible to cracking, algae, damage and staining and consequently usually need to be replaced every 6-10 years.
In order to maintain a hygienic, safe and attractive pool, most surfaces need to be replaced every 6-10 years. Imagine not having to worry about algae, etching, stains, bleed-through points or even resurfacing your pool. Converting your pool from a plaster finish to a fiberglass finish will give you that - a truly low maintenance pool.
CRACKS:
In Florida the ground is constantly moving and as a result any rigid, brittle material is prone to crack. These cracks will only get worse over time and even if repaired with another cementitious material, they are still prone to crack again in the future.
THIN, ETCHED POOL SURFACE:
All concrete pools need aggressive management of the pool water chemistry. The minerals in the pool surface are constantly in battle with the minerals in the pool water. Any imbalance will damage the pool surface permanently. Concrete pool surfaces need a lot of chemicals in order to keep them maintained. However the aggressive nature of the water plus the mineral-based surface means the average pool surface needs replacing every 5-7 years.
RE-BAR BLEED THROUGH:
A very common problem with most concrete pools is a when the corrosion of the re-bar starts to bleed through the pool finish. Without some highly specialized products and knowledge this problem can often turn in to 'Whack-a-mole'.
BLACK ALGAE:
Again, a very common and reoccurring problem in Florida. Once it is in a concrete pool it is essentially impossible to permanently get rid of it. This is very common in commercial pools.
ALGAE:
Our high temperatures and high rainfalls, coupled with a porous, rough pool surface makes the perfect breeding ground for any form of algae to grow and embed itself within the rough contours of any concrete pool finish.